MasterCard shares could climb above $200: Barron's

By IBT Staff Reporter On 07/26/09 AT 5:56 PM

MasterCard shares might be a better bargain than Visa Inc , according to a report in Barron's.

The weekly newspaper said that while Visa bests MasterCard in debit-card transactions and card swipes, MasterCard's shares are less expensive than Visa's and may be a better play on an economic recovery.

MasterCard trades at 15 times its anticipated earnings, but if it begins trading at 16 times earnings, its shares could soar above $200, Barron's said.

A white Fiat van rammed into pedestrians outside enjoying a late afternoon stroll on Las Ramblas in Barcelona on Thursday killing at least 13 people and leaving hundreds injured. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.